What is a scholarly source?

Answer

Sources are any resource containing information. Scholarly sources are those that are appropriate to use in an academic setting.

Scholarly sources can be identified by checking:

Author:

Written by researchers, professionals, or experts in the field
Author's credentials are listed

Audience:

Advanced reading level
Intended audience is researchers, students, academics, and professionals

Language & Length:

Specialized or technical vocabulary
Topic is narrowly focused and research-based
Long articles (5+ pages)

Review Process:

Peer-reviewed or refereed articles have been screened and approved by other experts or researchers

Appearance/Organization:

Often have a specific format (e.g., Abstract, Methodology, Discussion, Summary, Charts, Conclusion)
Descriptive titles
Limited or no advertising in the journal

Location of Information:

Scientific, medical, and research institutions, libraries
In print or online at RDP Library

Citations & Bibliography:

Extensive bibliography and citations throughout
Sources can be verified

Scholarly sources are also sometimes called academic, peer-reviewed, or refereed sources.

Scholarly sources are contrasted with popular sources. Generally, popular sources contain information written by journalists, rather than subject experts, and are intended for use by the general public, rather than scholars or subject specialists.